H is for Handmade - A to Z Challenge

Today is about my involvement with handmade crafts.

I'm always short on words because I know anyone who may visit and take the time to read this doesn't have time for a lengthy post, therefore this will be short and sweet.

I've been making handmade items for years, since I was fourteen ~ make that many, many years I've been making handmade items! 

Handmade by me

I give all my work away, I've never sold anything. Too scared mostly and everything I do has been done before, so who would want to buy my stuff.  I love giving my stuff away and I would never give anything that I wasn't truly happy with.

 

Sewing is a breeze for me and not much of a challenge, so I find I'm moving more towards drawing and painting (Oil) and I know that the only way I'm going to improve is to practice and one day I hope my paintings will be as much a breeze for me as my sewing is now.

Like I said in my post yesterday, I am very grateful to have found so many clever internet people. I have paid for and mostly enjoyed hours of tutorials on painting and drawing and I've enjoyed sharing my efforts ~ however humble they may be.



Handpainted by me

 

So for today, my point is all things handmade make me happy, especially if I'm the maker.

 

Source: soimarriedacraftblogger.com via FaveCrafts on Pinterest

G is for Grateful - A to Z Challenge

I spent hours yesterday and today trying to create my own 'Grateful' quote.  It was what I really wanted to share but I ended up trashing my work, [3 times!].  I think I was rushing.  It really matters to me not to get too far behind in the A to Z Challenge but inevitably it will happen, I can manage it without help, it's my destiny to lag behind.

So, rather than get all stressed about my lack of talent and wonderful 'G' ideas, I decided to go to Pinterest to save the day. 

I am truly grateful to all the wonderfully creative and arty people I've met on the internet and so this is my tribute to them. I am grateful for all the things I have learned and grateful particularly for the friendships and strong bonds I have made throughout my journey.  

Source: Uploaded by user via Natalie on Pinterest

 

Source: clarejosa.com via Leah on Pinterest

Flowers - A to Z Challenge

My Yucca trees are in flower for the first time.

It’s the end of Summer here and whilst the weather is still warm, the season is definitely moving towards Autumn, if somewhat slowly.  I’m not complaining, I love Summer but Autumn is just about the next best thing.

The flower is sensational but I can’t get close enough to be able to tell if there is any perfume.  At first I thought the flower would be short lived [maybe a couple of days] but after three weeks it appears to be continually developing.

I have no desire to remove the flowers, they can stay exactly where they are, and I can enjoy them day in, day out from my kitchen window and naturally when I sit by the pool to enjoy a good book and a cuppa.

Embroidery - A to Z Challenge

I didn't think I would make it to 'E' in the A to Z Challenge, but I’m here and I'm so happee!!

Purchased on a holiday in Vietnam

  This year has reignited my interest in embroidery.  Alas, I find embroidery challenging for the following of reasons:-

"     It requires attention to detail,

"     The thread gets tangled easily,

"     I run out of thread at the crucial time,

"     I’m always losing the scissors,

"     Impossible to do in average light,

"     My fingers are tortured by the needle,

"     I don’t know how to do all the fancy stitches.

 

Purchased on a holiday in Vietnam

I do have a positive spin on embroidery for me for the following reasons:-

"     It’s transportable,

"    Fills in time, i.e. waiting at the doctors surgery,

"     I can take it outside on a beautiful day,

"     It’s a conversation starter,

"    A finished piece has multiple uses, i.e. cushion cover, frame it, panel insert for many sewing projects etc.

Embroidery and herb garden by me

So, I will continue to explore the positive aspects of embroidery and on my bucket list is the desire to design my own amazing story to embroider.

 

Embroidery by me ~ design by Cinderberry Stitches

 

 

Doors

In 2009 I did a bit of travelling and for the A to Z Challenge today, I would like to share some pics of D for DOORS



Tuscany

Tuscany

 

London

 

Florence

Tuscany

Florence

Florence

 

Christine - What's in a name

C is for Christine the A - Z Challenge

 

Source: flickr.com via Keri on Pinterest

My current book mark reads:- 

Christine, From the Greek word for 'annointed'. 

With the face of an angel and a personality to match,

she is heaven sent. 

A sensitive friend.

 

 

But I like to think it means

   

Source: centsationalgirl.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Billabong Bliss

Billabong (pron.: /ˈbɪləbɒŋ/, BIL-ə-bong) is an Australian English word meaning a small lake, specifically an oxbow lake, a section of still water adjacent to a river, cut off by a change in the watercourse.^[1] Billabongs are usually formed when the path of a creek or river changes, leaving the former branch with a dead end. Billabongs, reflecting the arid Australian climate in which these "dead rivers" are found, fill with water seasonally and are dry for a greater part of the year.^[2]

 

 

 

Coronet Bay - Victoria, Australia

 

This is my secret wonderland, a small billabong hidden behind a quiet coastal beach.  Walking distance from my beach shack. 

 

This billabong is home to a large paddling of ducks, several white faced heron and I've been warned, a haven for a slither of snakes.  I tread carefully when navigating my way around this tranquil environment.  The Jack Russell pups are on a very short leash when we walk along the track.  The water is fresh and clean [I know, I've tasted it] and far on the other side of this oasis is rich farm land occupied by a herd of wet nosed, sweet faced dairy cows. 

Blue, cloudy skies are a feature of my wonderland and quite frankly, this part of the world, top and bottom, is a tiny bit of heaven.

 

The billabong flows quietly into the ocean, stretching across the sandy beach, digging deep crevices into the sand.  The Jack Russells have finally learnt that sea water does not quench a thirst and a playful race to the meandering billabong overflow will fortify them on their journey home.

 

Ah such bliss ~ my billabong wonderland

 

Sweet dreams ~ Goldie and Lilly